James Franklin discusses possibility of quarterback change at Penn State

Following a second Big Ten defeat on Saturday against Ohio State, Penn State is probably realistically out of the conference title race. Starting quarterback Sean Clifford was shaky in that loss, so is a quarterback change at Penn State looming?

You’ll have to tune in on Saturday against Indiana to find out.

“Obviously there’s nothing to really report in terms of changes,” coach James Franklin said Wednesday. “You guys haven’t really asked me this the whole rest of the season, so obviously if there’s any type of change I probably still wouldn’t announce it till after the game obviously because the other team is watching everything we discuss.”

Clifford got things off to a rocky start on Saturday against the Buckeyes, throwing interceptions on the first two drives of the game to help Ohio State build a quick 10-0 lead.

The Nittany Lions overcame that deficit quickly, but Clifford continues to be a bit up-and-down in close games.

He finished the contest 32-of-47 for 371 yards and three touchdowns, but he also threw three interceptions in the game. Will he retain his starting job on Saturday against the Hoosiers?

“I don’t have any announcements to be made,” Franklin reiterated.

Could quarterback change spark Penn State?

Fans have been high on former five-star prospect Drew Allar since the day he stepped foot on campus.

The freshman has seen action at various points this season, mostly in relief, including during the team’s loss to Michigan a few weeks back. Allar is 18-of-31 passing for 209 yards, with two touchdowns and no interceptions this season.

If there’s a quarterback change at Penn State, he figures to be the guy.

Franklin addressed the possibility of starting Drew Allar at quarterback on Tuesday, noting he had spoken to multiple assistant coaches about it as he evaluates the situation. But the main thing he stressed is he’ll do whatever he believes is in the team’s best interest when it comes to beating Indiana this weekend.

“For us, we’re going to look at who gives us the best chance to be 1-0 this week and go from there,” Franklin said. “Whoever that is, based on this week’s practice and preparation, we’ll go with. That’s really how it’s been all year long.”

Penn State is scheduled to kick off at 3:30 p.m. ET on Saturday at Indiana, with a broadcast on ABC.